The Shamrock Shake is Back for 2021

Forget the McRib. The McDonald's menu item I look forward to reappearing is that pastel green-colored, minty Shamrock Shake. Earlier today I walked a mile to the closest McDonald's -- with the idea that I'd burn calories and get one as a reward — only to find that it wasn't yet available, despite BEING ON THE MENU. Later, I called other nearby McDonald's and found a location to grab the treat. Worth it.

Do The Shamrock Shake Today

As usual, I gave up dessert for Lent, so the closest I'll get to a Shamrock Shake today is this t-shirt. (Thankfully, I managed to enjoy one this year before Ash Wednesday.) Happy St. Patricks Day, all.

Shamrock The Shake: Any Los Angeles Sightings?

We're usually on top of the Shamrock Shake news here at Franklin Avenue -- just check out our extensive past coverage.

But I must admit, I haven't been keeping in the loop this year -- having not been to a MickeyD's in years (other than to get, well, a Shamrock Shake). But I haven't seen a banner touting the green treat at any McDonald's I pass by. And the unofficial tally of Shamrock Shake sightings is inconclusive about Southern California -- although it seems like the Bay Area has been blessed.

Then there's the question of how much the winning Shamrock Shake formula has been tampered with. According to Serious Eats, the revived shake is less minty, comes with whipped cream and a cherry, and is poured into a small plastic cup.

No Luck of the Irish in New York

Continuing our ongoing coverage of all things Shamrock Shake, loyal Franklin Avenue reader Keith reports from the East Coast that L.A. has N.Y. beat on another important front:

Another reason for you to heart your beloved LA. NY McDonald's don't offer the SHAMROCK SHAKE.

Blimey! You've got several more hours, Angelenos, to enjoy one on St. Paddy's Day.

Me? I tried a Guinness milkshake at 25 Degrees in the Roosevelt Hotel. Yum.

Return of the Shamrock Shake

After a year hiatus, the Shamrock Shake is back at area McDonald's. This minty delight is enough to send me to the fast food giant, which I generally avoid (other than occasional breakfasts there when Blogger Toddler catches me in a good mood). I lived for Shamrock Shakes -- available for a limited time at participating McDonald's, the disclaimer goes -- as a kid, but they disappeared for most of the 1990s, as far as I can tell (well, that, and I avoided McDonald's for most of the 1990s, so who knows).

But other than last year's strange disappearance, the Shamrock Shake has been back in local McDonald's for most of the decade. Go get it now; it pretty much disappears after St. Patrick's Day.